October, 13 2010 - - The US Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed how to classify family offices so that managers of such institutions can know if they are covered by recent sweeping new legislation. The SEC yesterday proposed a rule stating that a “family office” is any firm that: Provides investment advice only to family members, as defined by the rule; certain key employees; charities and trusts established by family members; and entities wholly owned and controlled by family members; Is wholly owned and controlled by family members; Does not hold itself out to the public as an investment advisor.